The relationship between a person and a dog is a special kind of bond based on mutual trust and respect.
For many owners, it is important not only to share a roof with a pet, but also to become a real leader for it, whom the dog trusts unconditionally. But how do you know if this goal has been achieved?
How to recognize signs of true canine respect and devotion?
Understanding your dog's body language, signals, and behavior can tell you a lot about how he or she feels about you.
By carefully observing your pet, you will be able to notice subtle but important nuances that will indicate whether the dog considers you its leader.
Look: openness and trust
One of the most obvious signs of a dog's trust is its gaze. A dog that recognizes you as a leader will look at you directly and openly, without fear or aggression.
Her gaze will be calm and attentive, sometimes with a slight squint, expressing relaxation and pleasure from your presence.
Behavior: calm and obedient
A dog that sees you as the leader will exhibit calm and obedient behavior.
It will willingly follow your commands without showing signs of dominance or disobedience. Such a dog will not try to challenge your leadership, for example, by growling or aggressive behavior.
Greeting: Joy without fuss
Meeting you after a separation is always a joyful event for a dog. However, a dog that respects your leadership will greet you with joy, but without excessive fuss and excitement.
Her greeting will be balanced, expressing genuine affection and a desire to be close, but without being overly impulsive.
Games: respecting rules and boundaries
During play, a dog that recognizes you as the leader will respect the rules and boundaries you set.
She will not try to bite you too hard, jump on you, or display aggressive behavior.
Such a dog will play with enthusiasm, but will always remember your authority and respect the limits you set.
Space: Respect for personal boundaries
A dog that considers you the leader will respect your personal space. It will not impose its company on you if you are busy or want to be alone. Such a dog will calmly wait for your attention, without showing signs of anxiety or importunity.
Body language: relaxed and trusting
A dog's body language is a powerful communication tool that can reveal a lot about its emotional state.
A dog that trusts you as a leader will exhibit a relaxed posture, without tension or stiffness. Its tail will wag calmly, its ears will be relaxed, and its face will express calm and contentment.
Education: the desire to learn and to please
A dog that sees you as the leader will be eager to please you and will be happy to learn new things. It will listen carefully to your commands and try to carry them out as best it can.
Such a dog will enjoy the training process and spending time together.
Remember that building a trusting relationship with your dog is a process that takes time, patience and consistency.
Be attentive to your pet, learn its language, respect its individuality and create an atmosphere of trust and safety.
Earlier we wrote about why a guinea pig doesn’t drink.
Author: Valeria Kisternaya
